NOOSA alive! Festival is planning a 10-day party to mark its 21st birthday with a guest list of Australian icons, internationally renowned artists and local legends joining the celebrations.
The annual arts and cultural festival returns to Queensland’s leading coastal community from 21 to 30 July with a packed program of special events and premiere performances.
Queensland Ballet returns to launch NOOSA alive! with the world premiere of its new work, Tartan and Tchaikovsky Mash, at The J Theatre on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 July.
The two-act performance features Tartan, a brand-new contemporary piece inspired by Scottish music, and a compilation of short works set to music from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty.
In a stunning Queensland premiere, Meg Washington and Paul Grabowsky are partnering for an unforgettable evening of music.
The pair began collaborating when Meg was a newly graduated jazz singer and their intimate show at The J Theatre on Wednesday 26 July reunites the kindred musical spirits.
The internationally renowned Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) performs an exclusive, one-night-only performance at The J Theatre on Thursday 27 July, generously supported by the Wilson Foundation.
Artistic director Richard Tognetti leads the ACO through a diverse program that moves from beloved works by Mozart and Bach to contemporary songs by Randy Newman and US-German musician Kurt Weill.
NOOSA alive! festival president Andrew Stafford said it was only fitting the annual event marked its milestone 21st year with a huge celebration.
“NOOSA alive! is one of the most anticipated events on Queensland’s cultural calendar and we are delighted to present our 21st program filled with big events, big names and big performances,” Mr Stafford said.
“I’m particularly proud that Queensland Ballet has chosen NOOSA alive! to debut its brand-new work, Tartan, and that we will also host the first Queensland performance of Meg Washington and Paul Grabowsky’s new work, plus the ACO’s exclusive performance really adds to what will be a fantastic 21st celebration!
“While the Festival has grown so much over the past 21 years, one thing remains a constant – events sell out incredibly quickly, so I urge everyone to get tickets before it’s too late.”
Mr Stafford said while much of the program is on sale from Monday 3 April, he revealed the festival has more to announce with a second ticket release and more surprises in the coming weeks.
Also announced for the 2023 Festival is TENORI under the STARS!, an evening of gourmet food, fine wine and exceptional music on Noosa Main Beach on Sunday 23 July.
Tenors David Kidd, Craig Atkinson and Andrew Pryor perform a repertoire that blends opera, musical theatre and jazz, accompanied by guest soprano Laura Coutts and harpist Hayley Erin.
From high notes to high wires, Cirque Bon-Bon ENCORE! returns with a new show to dazzle audiences by fusing contortion, aerial artistry, dancing and death-defying acrobatics across two performances at The J Theatre on Tuesday 25 July.
Enduring star of the Australian stage and screen, Rhonda Burchmore, revisits special moments from her illustrious career and performs a selection of her favourite show-stopping numbers.
Rhonda Burchmore: Up Close & Personal is at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant and Bar on Friday 28 July and hosted by Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi.
NOOSA Alive! has partnered with Slow Food Noosa to present The Perfect Dinner at Pomona’s The Majestic Theatre on Monday 24 July.
Guests start with a screening of The Perfect Dinner, a delicious film about an Italian mafioso who crosses paths with a chef, followed by a three-course Italian feast.
Hungry for more? Seafood Seduction is a three-course lunch at Ricky’s River Bar and Restaurant on Wednesday 26 July where seafood is the indisputable star of the show.
Diners are serenaded by local singer Lizzie O’Keefe supported by Aaron Bool on jazz guitar and Louise King on cello.
NOOSA alive! is proudly presented by 2023 Principal Partners Wilson Foundation and Trevor and Judith St Baker Family Foundation.
“The Noosa Alive! Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role that arts and culture plays in our lives – bringing personal enjoyment, enriching experiences and creative inspiration. The Wilson Foundation is delighted to be the principal partner of the 2023 Noosa Alive! Festival.”
“We are so pleased to continue to support the highest levels of creative performing arts at this annual Noosa Heads festival. The high levels of volunteer support which make Noosa Alive possible, deserves the philanthropic support which we are so pleased to offer through our St. Baker Family Foundation, along with others, as well as the sponsorship of investee companies in our St. Baker Energy Innovation Fund, namely EVIE Networks EV fast charge stations, and Nexport Go Zero electric buses,” said Trevor St Baker, now at least half Noosa resident, with wife Judith, now closer to their sons’ Andrew and Philip St Baker and their families.
Visit noosaalive.com.au for more information, to purchase tickets and to subscribe for updates and program announcements.
